(section 6)

27 MHz maritime frequencies means any of the following frequencies:

(a) 27.680 MHz;

(b) 27.720 MHz;

(d) 27.860 MHz;

(e) 27.880 MHz;

(f) 27.900 MHz;

(g) 27.910 MHz;

(h) 27.940 MHz;

(i) 27.960 MHz;

(j) 27.980 MHz.

900 MHz studio to transmitter link station means a point to point station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that:

(a) is authorised to operate only in the 820 MHz to 960 MHz frequency band; and

(b) is operated for the purpose of transmitting radio programs from a broadcasting studio, for use by another radiocommunications transmitter to provide a broadcasting service.

aeronautical assigned station means a station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that is operated:

(a) under an aeronautical licence; and

(b) on aeronautical frequencies specified in that licence.

aeronautical frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of aeronautical mobile services.

aeronautical licence means a transmitter licence that authorises the operation of a radiocommunications transmitter that is, or is part of, a station that:

(a) is not fixed to an aircraft: and

(b) is operated on aeronautical frequencies; and

(i) the operation of an aircraft; or

(ii) airport or aerodrome operations; and

(d) in relation to an aircraft – includes a mobile station that is operated:

(i) on board an aircraft; or

(ii) on the ground, in communication with an aircraft.

Note: An aeronautical licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

aeronautical mobile-satellite frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of aeronautical mobile-satellite services.

aeronautical mobile-satellite service means a mobile-satellite service in which:

(a) mobile earth stations and mobile earth receive stations are located on aircraft; and

(b) survival craft stations and emergency position indicating radio beacon stations may participate.

aeronautical mobile service means a radiocommunication service that is used principally for the transmission of messages to and from aircraft.

aeronautical station means a station that operates in the aeronautical mobile service:

(a) other than an aircraft station or an earth station; and

(b) whether or not the station is located on an aircraft.

aids to navigation station means a station, other than a mobile station, that:

(a) operates on a frequency used for an Automatic Identification System (AIS); and

(b) is designed and operated to enhance the safe and efficient navigation of vessels.

Note: For aids to navigation (or AtoN), see Recommendation ITU-R M.585-8, Assignment and use of identities in the maritime mobile service, which is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.

aircraft assigned station means a station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that is operated:

(a) under an aircraft licence; and

(b) on aeronautical frequencies specified in that licence.

aircraft licence means a transmitter licence that authorises the operation of a radiocommunications transmitter that is, or is part of, a station that:

(a) is fixed on board an aircraft; and

(b) is operated on aeronautical frequencies; and

Note: An aircraft licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

aircraft station means a station that:

(a) is fixed on board an aircraft; and

(b) is operated on aeronautical frequencies; and

AIS-SART (short for Automatic Identification System – Search and Rescue Transmitter) means an Automatic Identification System (AIS) that is:

(a) used for search and rescue purposes; and

(b) complies with IEC 61097-14, Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) – Part 14: AIS search and rescue transmitter (AIS-SART) – Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results, published by the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Note 1: For AIS-SART (Automatic Identification System – Search and Rescue Transmitter), see Recommendation ITU-R M.585-8, Assignment and use of identities in the maritime mobile service, which is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.

Note 2: IEC 61097-14 may be obtained, for a fee, from a Standards Australia distributor listed on the Standards Australia website at www.standards.org.au. IEC 61097-14 is also available to be viewed, on prior request, at an ACMA office, subject to licensing conditions.

AM means amplitude modulation employing double sideband transmission without the carrier or the lower or upper sideband being suppressed.

amateur advanced station means an amateur station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter, where the operation of the transmitter is authorised by a transmitter licence and it is a condition of the licence that the transmitter only be operated by a person:

(a) to whom a certificate of proficiency has been granted in relation to:

(i) the Advanced Amateur Operator’s Examination, which has been a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or

(ii) the Unrestricted Amateur Operator’s Examination, which has been a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or

(iii) the Limited Amateur Operator’s Examination, which has been a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or

(b) who holds a licence, issued by the administration of another country, that is listed in Table A or Table B of the Tables of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences for the purpose of operating an amateur advanced station in Australia; or

(c) who holds a qualification, issued by the administration of another country, that is listed in Table A or Table B of the Tables of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences as equivalent to a certificate of proficiency specified in paragraph (a).

Note 1: The ACMA does not intend to issue any further transmitter licences authorising the operation of a radiocommunications transmitter that is, or is part of, an amateur advanced station.

Note 2: The Advanced Amateur Operator’s Examination, the Unrestricted Amateur Operator’s Examination and the Limited Amateur Operator’s Examination were all once approved examinations under subsection 122(2) of the Act.

Note 3: The Tables of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences are available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.

amateur beacon station means a station in the amateur service that is used principally for the purpose of identifying propagation conditions.

amateur foundation station means an amateur station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter, where the operation of the transmitter is authorised by a transmitter licence and it is a condition of the licence that the transmitter only be operated by a person:

(a) to whom a certificate of proficiency has been granted in relation to the Foundation Amateur Operator’s Examination, which has been a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or

Note 1: The ACMA does not intend to issue any further transmitter licences authorising the operation of a radiocommunications transmitter that is, or is part of, an amateur foundation station.

Note 2: The Foundation Amateur Operator’s Examination was once an approved examination under subsection 122(2) of the Act.

Note 3: The Tables of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences are available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.

amateur frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of amateur services.

amateur licence means a transmitter licence that authorises the operation of a radiocommunications transmitter that is, or is part of, an amateur station.

Note: An amateur licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

amateur repeater station means a station established at a fixed location for:

(a) the reception of radio signals from an amateur station; and

(b) the automatic retransmission of those signals.

amateur-satellite service means a radiocommunications service using space stations on Earth satellites for an amateur service.

Note: A space station may include one or more radiocommunications transmitters, one or more radiocommunications receivers, or both one or more radiocommunications transmitters and one or more radiocommunications receivers.

amateur service means a radiocommunications service for self-training in radiocommunications, intercommunication using radiocommunications, and technical investigation into radiocommunications, by persons who:

(a) are licensed under the Act to do so; and

(b) do so solely with a personal aim; and

amateur standard station means an amateur station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter, where the licensee of the transmitter licence that authorises the operation of the transmitter is a person to whom the operation of the transmitter is authorised by a transmitter licence and it is a condition of the licence that the transmitter only be operated by a person:

(a) to whom a certificate of proficiency has been granted in relation to:

(i) the Standard Amateur Operator’s Examination, which has been a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or

(ii) the Novice Amateur Operator’s Examination, which has been a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or

(iii) the Novice Limited Amateur Operator’s Examination, which has been a category of approved examination for the purposes of subsection 122(2) of the Act; or

Note 1: The ACMA does not intend to issue any further transmitter licences authorising the operation of a radiocommunications transmitter that is, or is part of, an amateur standard station.

Note 2: The Standard Amateur Operator’s Examination, the Novice Amateur Operator’s Examination and the Novice Limited Amateur Operator’s Examination were all once approved examinations under subsection 122(2) of the Act.

Note 3: The Tables of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences are available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.

amateur station means a station that:

(a) is operated for the purposes of self-training in radiocommunications, intercommunication using radiocommunications, and technical investigation into radiocommunications; and

(b) is operated by a person who:

(i) does so solely with a personal aim; and

(ii) has no pecuniary interest in the outcome of the operation of the station; and

(d) may participate in the amateur-satellite service.

ambulatory station means a land mobile station that:

(a) is operated principally for communications with other land mobile stations; and

(b) if permitted by the transmitter licence that authorises the operation of the land mobile station – may communicate with:

(i) an aircraft station, but not on an aeronautical frequency; or

(ii) a maritime ship station, but not on a maritime frequency.

ambulatory system means a system that comprises one or more land mobile stations that:

(a) are operated under a land mobile licence; and

(b) are ambulatory stations.

Application Specific Messages (ASM) means messages developed to allow for added functionality in the exchange of information using an Automatic Identification System (AIS) that are in addition to the standard set of Automatic Identification System (AIS) messages.

Note: For Application Specific Messages (ASM), see Recommendation ITU-R M.2092, Technical characteristics for a VHF data exchange system in the VHF maritime mobile band, which is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.

area-wide licence means a transmitter licence that:

(a) for an area-wide service, authorises the operation of one or more area-wide stations, and which may also consist of one or more area-wide receive stations; and

(b) specifies the frequency band for the area-wide service; and

(c) specifies the geographic area within which the area-wide stations and area-wide receive stations (if any) are located.

Note: An area-wide licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

area-wide receive licence means a receiver licence that authorises the operation of an area-wide receive station for an area-wide service.

Note: An area-wide receive licence is a type of receiver licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

area-wide receive station means a radiocommunications receiver that is operated for an area-wide service.

Note: An area-wide receive station is a kind of radiocommunications receiver determined under paragraph 7(1)(b) of the Act.

area-wide service means:

(a) a radiocommunications service that is used for radiocommunications from any of the following:

(i) stations at fixed points;

(ii) mobile stations;

to any of the following:

(iii) stations at fixed points;

(iv) mobile stations;

(v) space receive stations; or

(b) a radiocommunications service that is used for reception of radio emissions by earth receive stations from space stations on space objects.

Note 1: An area-wide service may be used for radiocommunications to a space receive station on a space object, but that station on the space object will not be authorised by an area-wide receive licence.

Note 2: An area-wide service may be used for reception of radio emissions by an earth receive station from a space station on a space object, but that station on the space object will not be authorised by an area-wide licence. The earth receive station will be an area-wide receive station authorised by an area-wide receive licence.

area-wide station means a radiocommunications transmitter that is operated for an area-wide service.

ARPANSA Standard means:

(a) the Radiation Protection Standard for Limiting Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields – 100 kHz to 300 GHz (2021), published by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency; or

(b) if a later standard is published by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency as a replacement of that standard – the later standard.

Note: The ARPANSA Standard is available, free of charge, from the website of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency at www.arpansa.gov.au.

ARQZWA (short for Australian Radio Quiet Zone Western Australia) has the meaning given by:

(a) the Radiocommunications (Australian Radio Quiet Zone Western Australia) Frequency Band Plan 2023; or

(b) if a later instrument replaces that frequency band plan and defines the expression – the later instrument.

Note: The Radiocommunications (Australian Radio Quiet Zone Western Australia) Frequency Band Plan 2023 is a legislative instrument and is available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.

ASMG means the Australian Spectrum Map Grid.

assigned basis, in relation to an apparatus licence, means where the licence specifies the frequencies on which a radiocommunications device may be operated under the licence.

Note: See the definition of non assigned basis, below.

AtoN station has the same meaning as aids to navigation station.

Australian Spectrum Map Grid means the Australian Spectrum Map Grid 2012, published by the ACMA.

Note: The Australian Spectrum Map Grid is available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.

Automatic Identification System (AIS) means a system that uses automatic tracking technology in the VHF maritime mobile band.

Note: For Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), see Recommendation ITU-R M.1371-5, Technical characteristics for an automatic identification system using time division multiple access in the VHF maritime mobile frequency band, which is available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.

broadcast service station means a station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that:

(a) is operated under a broadcasting licence; and

(b) is operated for the purposes of providing one of the following:

(i) a commercial broadcasting service;

(ii) a national broadcasting service;

(iii) a community broadcasting service; and

Note: A broadcasting station, within the meaning given by the Act, is also a broadcast service station.

broadcasting licence means a transmitter licence issued for a radiocommunications service that comprises one or more stations, each of which:

(a) is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter and:

(b) is operated for the purposes of delivering, by means other than by satellite, television programs or radio programs to persons having equipment appropriate for receiving the service, if the service is not:

(i) a service (including a teletext service) that provides no more than data, or no more than text, and, in either case, is provided with or without associated images; or

(ii) a service that makes a program available on demand on a point to point basis, including a dial-up service; or

(iii) a service, or a service in a class of services, determined by the Minister under subsection 6(2) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; and

(c) may be operated for engineering tests, if it is intended to be operated for the purposes of providing a broadcasting service.

Note: A broadcasting licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

broadcasting service has the meaning given by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

broadcasting services bands has the meaning given by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

carriage service has the meaning given by the Telecommunications Act 1997.

carriage service provider has the meaning given by the Telecommunications Act 1997.

carrier has the meaning given by the Telecommunications Act 1997.

carrier licence has the meaning given by the Telecommunications Act 1997.

CB repeater station has the meaning given by:

(a) the Radiocommunications (Citizen Band Radio Stations) Class Licence 2015; or

(b) if another class licence replaces that instrument and defines the expression – the other class licence.

CB station has the meaning given by:

(a) the Radiocommunications (Citizen Band Radio Stations) Class Licence 2015; or

(b) if another class licence replaces that instrument and defines the expression – the other class licence.

communal site means a place used by radiocommunications transmitters operating within 200 metres of each other, for which 2 or more fixed transmitters operate, on an assigned basis, on frequencies within one of the following frequency bands:

(a) 30 MHz to 300 MHz;

(b) 300 MHz to 3 GHz;

(d) 30 GHz to 300 GHz.

Note: See subsections 6(3) and (4).

communication has the meaning given by the Telecommunications Act 1997.

connected has the meaning given by the Telecommunications Act 1997.

connection has the meaning given to connected by the Telecommunications Act 1997.

cordless telephone service means a radiocommunications service that:

(a) consists of one or more land stations, each of which:

(i) does not form part of a public mobile telecommunications service; and

(ii) is able to communicate by means of radiocommunications with, or is connected indirectly or directly to, a public telecommunications network operated by a carrier or a carriage service provider; and

(b) may consist of one or more handsets, each of which:

(i) is not connected by a line to a land station; and

(ii) enables communication with other users of the public telecommunications network by means of radiocommunications between the handset and the land station.

COSPAS-SARSAT System means a satellite aided search and rescue system designed to locate activated radiocommunications transmitters that transmit:

(a) on 243 MHz; or

(b) in the frequency band 406 MHz to 406.1 MHz.

Note: More information about the COSPAS-SARSAT System is available, free of charge, from the International COSPAS-SARSAT Programme’s website at www.cospas-sarsat.int.

datacasting licence means a transmitter licence that authorises the operation of a datacasting service station.

Note 1: A datacasting licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

Note 2: A datacasting licence issued under the Act authorises operation of a radiocommunications transmitter under that Act. It is not the same thing as a datacasting licence allocated under Schedule 6 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, which authorises the provision of a ‘designated datacasting service’ under that Act.

datacasting service station means a station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that is operated primarily to provide a datacasting service only in the broadcasting services bands.

defence licence means a transmitter licence that authorises the operation of one or more defence stations.

Note: A defence licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

defence receive licence means a receiver licence that authorises the operation of one or more defence receive stations.

Note: A defence receive licence is a type of receiver licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

defence receive station means a defence station that is only used for receiving messages.

Note 1: A defence receive station is a kind of radiocommunications receiver determined under paragraph 7(1)(b) of the Act.

Note 2: The definition means that, even if the station incorporates a radiocommunications transmitter, that transmitter is not used to transmit a message of any kind.

defence station means a station that is operated principally for the purposes of defence, and:

(a) within a frequency band mentioned in a cell, in column 2 of the Table of Frequency Allocations in Part 2 of the spectrum plan, in which the Australian footnote reference AUS100, AUS101 or AUS102 appears; or

(b) within a frequency band mentioned in Part 3 of the spectrum plan opposite the Australian footnote reference AUS9; or

(i) within a frequency band mentioned in a cell, in column 2 of the Table of Frequency Allocations in Part 2 of the spectrum plan, in which the Australian footnote reference AUS100A, AUS101A or AUS102A appears; and

(ii) for the service to which that footnote reference applies; or

(d) both:

(i) within a frequency band mentioned in Part 3 of the spectrum plan opposite the Australian footnote reference AUS64; and

(ii) in the way mentioned in that footnote reference, that is:

(A) using spread spectrum modulation; and

(B) without causing harmful interference to stations of other services operating in accordance with the spectrum plan or the Radio Regulations.

earth licence means a transmitter licence, other than an area-wide licence, that authorises the operation of an earth station.

Note: An earth licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

earth receive licence means a receiver licence, other than an area-wide receive licence, that authorises the operation of an earth receive station.

Note: An earth receive licence is a type of receiver licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

earth receive station means a radiocommunications receiver that:

(a) is not located on a space object; and

(b) is used to receive radio emissions from:

(i) a space object; or

(ii) an earth station by way of a space object.

Note: An earth receive station is a kind of radiocommunications receiver determined under paragraph 7(1)(b) of the Act.

earth station means a radiocommunications transmitter that:

(a) is not located on a space object; and

(b) is used to transmit radio emissions to:

(i) a space object; or

(ii) an earth receive station by way of a space object.

EIRP, in relation to a radiocommunications device, means the equivalent isotropically radiated power of the device.

emergency location beacon means a mobile station the emissions of which are intended to facilitate search and rescue operations.

emergency position indicating radio beacon station means a station in the mobile service, the emissions of which are intended to assist search and rescue operations.

emergency signal means one or more of the following:

(a) a request for assistance;

(b) a signal of distress;

EPIRB means an emergency position indicating radio beacon station.

exterior paging means one-way communication to a paging receiver, other than one-way communication within:

(a) premises; or

(b) an area, the boundary of which substantially contains, or minimises the propagation of, radio emissions.

fixed earth station means an earth station that is operating in the fixed-satellite service.

fixed licence means a transmitter licence issued for one or more stations that:

(a) are located principally:

(i) at fixed points specified in the licence; or

(ii) in an area specified in the licence (the licence area); and

(b) are operated principally for communications with stations located:

(i) at one or more other fixed points, whether or not those points are specified in the licence; or

(ii) in the licence area; and

(i) an aircraft station, but not on an aeronautical frequency; and

(ii) a maritime ship station, but not on a maritime frequency; and

(iii) a land mobile station, but not on a land mobile frequency.

Note: A fixed licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

fixed outpost station means an outpost station at a fixed point.

fixed receive licence means a receiver licence issued for one or more fixed receive stations:

(a) that are only used for receiving messages; and

(b) for which the ACMA, or a person with General Licensing Accreditation or Specific Licensing Accreditation, undertakes coordination procedures for the purpose of minimising interference to reception.

Note 1: A fixed receive licence is a type of receiver licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

Note 2: Paragraph (a) means that, even if the station incorporates a radiocommunications transmitter, that transmitter is not used to transmit a message of any kind.

fixed receive station means a fixed station:

(a) that is only used for receiving messages; and

Note 1: A fixed receive station is a kind of radiocommunications receiver determined under paragraph 7(1)(b) of the Act.

Note 2: Paragraph (a) means that, even if the station incorporates a radiocommunications transmitter, that transmitter is not used to transmit a message of any kind.

fixed-satellite service means a radiocommunications service, including any feeder link that is necessary for the operation of other space radiocommunication services, with the following characteristics:

(a) the service is between earth stations at particular fixed points, or at fixed points within particular areas, and earth receive stations at specified fixed points, or at fixed points within specified areas;

(b) the service uses:

(i) one or more satellites; and

(ii) a satellite-to-satellite link (if any) that may use the inter-satellite service.

fixed station means a station that:

(a) is located principally:

(i) at a fixed point specified in the transmitter licence that authorises the operation of the station (the licence); or

(ii) in an area specified in the licence; and

(b) is operated principally for communications with stations located:

(i) at one or more other fixed points specified in the licence; or

(ii) in an area specified in the licence; and

(i) an aircraft station; and

(ii) a maritime ship station; and

(iii) a land mobile station.

FM means frequency modulation.

General Licensing Accreditation has the meaning given by:

(a) the Radiocommunications Accreditation (General) Rules 2021; or

(b) if a later instrument replaces those rules and defines the expression – the later instrument.

Note: The Radiocommunications Accreditation (General) Rules 2021 are available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.

geostationary satellite means a geosynchronous satellite whose circular and direct orbit lies in the plane of the Earth’s equator, and which thus remains fixed relative to the Earth; by extension, a geosynchronous satellite which remains approximately fixed relative to the Earth.

Note: The definition of geostationary satellite is taken from Section VIII, Article 1.189, Chapter 1 of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.

GMDSS means the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

Note: More information about the GMDSS is available, free of charge, from the GMDSS’s website at www.gmdss.com.

harmful interference means interference that:

(a) endangers the functioning of a radionavigation service or other safety services that are operating in accordance with:

(i) the Radio Regulations; or

(ii) the spectrum plan; or

(b) obstructs, repeatedly interrupts or seriously degrades a radiocommunication service that is operating in accordance with:

(i) the Radio Regulations; or

(ii) the spectrum plan.

HCIS (short for hierarchical cell identification scheme) means the cell grouping hierarchy scheme used to describe areas in the ASMG.

HCIS block means:

(a) a Level 1 HCIS block; or

(b) a grouping of Level 1 HCIS blocks, identified by a unique HCIS identifier.

Note: In the ASMG, HCIS blocks are identified by the terms HCIS Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.

HCIS cell means a division of a Level 1 HCIS block, identified by a unique HCIS identifier.

Note: In the ASMG, HCIS cells are identified by the terms HCIS Levels 0 and 00.

HCIS identifier means an identifier used in the ASMG to identify a geographic area consisting of an HCIS block or an HCIS cell.

HF means high frequency.

HF Domestic Service station means a station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that:

(a) is operated under a broadcasting licence; and

(b) is used to provide a broadcasting service targeted to audiences in Australia; and

Note: In the Act, Australia includes the external Territories.

HF Overseas (IBL) Service station means a station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that:

(a) is operated under a broadcasting licence; and

(b) is used to provide an international broadcasting service; and

HF Overseas Service station means a station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that:

(a) is operated under a broadcasting licence; and

(b) is used to provide a broadcasting service targeted to audiences outside Australia; and

Note: In the Act, Australia includes the external Territories.

high frequency means a frequency in the 3 MHz to 30 MHz frequency band.

intercommunication means two-way communication between:

(a) a station in the amateur service in Australia; and

(b) either:

(i) another station in the amateur service in Australia; or

(ii) an amateur station overseas.

Note 1: Communication between a station in the amateur service and another station in Australia that is not in the amateur service is not intercommunication.

Note 2: In the Act, Australia includes the external Territories.

interior paging means communication with a paging receiver or a mobile station, within:

(a) premises; or

(b) an area, the boundary of which substantially contains, or minimises the propagation of, radio emissions.

land mobile frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of land mobile services.

land mobile licence means a transmitter licence issued for a radiocommunications service that:

(a) comprises one or more land stations or land mobile stations; and

(b) is used for communications between:

(i) land stations and land mobile stations; or

(ii) land mobile stations; or

(iii) land mobile stations through a land station; or

(iv) land stations through another land station; and

(i) an aircraft station, but not on an aeronautical frequency; or

(ii) a maritime ship station, but not on a maritime frequency.

Note: A land mobile licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

land mobile service means a radiocommunications service that:

(a) comprises one or more land stations or land mobile stations; and

(b) is used for communications between:

(i) land stations and land mobile stations; or

(ii) land mobile stations; or

(iii) land mobile stations through a land station; or

(iv) land stations through another land station; and

(i) an aircraft station; or

(ii) a maritime ship station.

land mobile station means a station that is intended to be used:

(a) while the station is in motion on land; or

(b) during halts at unspecified points on land.

land mobile system means a system that comprises:

(a) one or more land stations; and

(b) one or more land mobile stations;

that:

(d) are operated principally for two-way communications.

land mobile system station means:

(a) a land station; or

(b) a land mobile station;

that is operated as part of a land mobile system.

land station means a station that is established at a fixed point on land.

Level 1 HCIS block means a five minute of arc square cell in the ASMG, identified by a unique HCIS identifier.

Note: In the ASMG, Level 1 HCIS blocks are identified by the term HCIS Level 1.

licence conditions determination means a determination made under subsection 110A(1) or subsection 110A(2) of the Act.

limited coast assigned system means a system, comprising a maritime coast station and one or more maritime ship stations, where the maritime coast station is operated:

(a) under a maritime coast licence (whether or not the licence also authorises the operation of a station in an Automatic Identification System (AIS) and, if so, whether or not the system includes one or more aids to navigation stations); and

(b) on maritime frequencies specified in that licence; and

limited coast assigned system station means a station that is operated as part of a limited coast assigned system.

limited coast marine rescue station means a maritime coast station that:

(a) is operated by a body that is prepared to provide a maritime emergency radiocommunications service to vessels at sea without discrimination; and

(b) is operated primarily for ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship communications; and

(i) a licence conditions determination; or

(ii) an apparatus licence that authorises the operation of the station.

limited coast non assigned station means a maritime coast station that:

(a) is operated under a maritime coast licence; and

(b) is operated on:

(i) maritime frequencies on a non assigned basis; or

(ii) frequencies specified for the operation of limited coast non assigned stations in a licence conditions determination; and

line has the meaning given by the Telecommunications Act 1997.

lower sideband means an SSB radio emission, of which the sideband above the carrier is suppressed.

LSB means lower sideband.

major coast A station means a station that:

(a) is operated under a maritime coast licence; and

(b) is operated on maritime frequencies specified in that licence; and

(c) is operated on land principally for transmitting messages to, and receiving messages from, a maritime ship station; and

(d) may be used to transmit public correspondence to, or receive public correspondence from, a maritime ship station.

major coast receive licence means a receiver licence that authorises the operation of one or more stations:

(a) that is used on land principally for receiving messages transmitted by a maritime ship station; and

(b) that is only used for receiving messages; and

(i) a station on an aircraft, which is not an aircraft station;

(ii) a land mobile station;

(iii) a remotely located land station; and

(d) for which the ACMA, or a person with General Licensing Accreditation or Specific Licensing Accreditation, undertakes coordination procedures for the purpose of minimising interference to reception.

Note 1: A major coast receive licence is a type of receiver licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

Note 2: Paragraph (b) means that even if the station incorporates a radiocommunications transmitter, that transmitter is not used to transmit a message of any kind.

major coast receive station means a station:

(a) that is used on land principally for receiving messages transmitted by a maritime ship station; and

(b) that is only used for receiving messages; and

(i) a station on an aircraft, which is not an aircraft station;

(ii) a land mobile station;

(iii) a remotely located land station; and

Note 1: A major coast receive station is a kind of radiocommunications receiver determined under paragraph 7(1)(b) of the Act.

Note 2: Paragraph (b) means that even if the station incorporates a radiocommunications transmitter, that transmitter is not used to transmit a message of any kind.

maritime coast licence means a transmitter licence that authorises the operation of one or more stations that:

(a) is used on land principally for transmitting messages to, and receiving messages from, a maritime ship station; and

(b) may communicate with any of the following:

(i) a station on an aircraft, which is not an aircraft station;

(ii) a land mobile station;

(iii) a remotely located land station; and

Note: A maritime coast licence is a kind of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

maritime coast station means a station that:

(a) is used on land principally for transmitting messages to, and receiving messages from, a maritime ship station; and

(b) may communicate with any of the following:

(i) a station on an aircraft, which is not an aircraft station;

(ii) a land mobile station;

(iii) a remotely located land station; and

maritime frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of maritime mobile services.

maritime mobile-satellite frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of maritime mobile-satellite services.

maritime mobile-satellite service means a mobile-satellite service in which:

(a) mobile earth stations and mobile earth receive stations are located on ships; and

(b) survival craft stations and EPIRBS may participate.

maritime mobile service means a mobile service:

(a) between:

(i) maritime coast stations and maritime ship stations; or

(ii) maritime ship stations; or

(iii) on-board communications stations associated with a maritime ship station, whether or not those stations are operated on board ships; and

(b) in which survival craft stations and emergency position indicating radio beacon stations may participate.

maritime ship licence means a transmitter licence that authorises the operation of a maritime ship station.

Note: A maritime ship licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

maritime ship station means a station that:

(a) is used on board a ship for communication with:

(i) maritime coast stations; or

(ii) on-board communications stations associated with the station, whether or not those stations are operated on board ships; and

(b) may include equipment that is in a survival craft of the ship; and

(d) operates on:

(i) maritime frequencies; and

(ii) maritime mobile-satellite frequencies or radiodetermination frequencies.

medium frequency means a frequency in the 300 kHz to 3 MHz frequency band.

message includes all or part of any communication transmitted or received by a station.

MF means medium frequency.

mobile earth receive station means an earth receive station that is operating in the mobile-satellite service.

mobile earth station means an earth station that is operating in the mobile-satellite service.

mobile outpost station means an outpost station that is established for use:

(a) while the station is in motion; or

(b) during halts at unspecified points on land, on water or in the air.

mobile-satellite service means any of the following radiocommunications services, including any feeder link that is necessary for the operation of the service:

(a) a radiocommunication service between:

(i) one or more mobile earth stations, or one or more mobile earth receive stations, or both one or more mobile earth stations and one or more mobile earth receive stations; and

(ii) one or more space stations and one or more space receive stations, or both one or more space stations and one or more space receive stations;

(b) a radiocommunication service between space stations and space receive stations used by the service;

(c) a radiocommunication service between mobile earth stations and mobile earth receive stations, by means of one or more space stations.

mobile service means a radiocommunication service:

(a) between mobile stations and land stations; or

(b) between mobile stations.

mobile station means a station that is established for use:

(a) while the station is in motion on land, on water or in the air; or

(b) in a stationary position at unspecified points on land, on water or in the air.

narrowband area receiver means a radiocommunications receiver that:

(a) is operated solely for the reception of radiocommunications from a narrowband area service station; and

(b) uses a single frequency; and

narrowband area service station means a station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that:

(a) is operated under a broadcasting licence; and

(b) is used for one-way radiocommunications to 4 or more narrowband area receivers; and

(d) is authorised to operate only outside the broadcasting services bands.

narrowcasting service station means a station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that:

(a) is operated under a broadcasting licence; and

(b) is used to provide an open narrowcasting service or a subscription narrowcasting service; and

necessary bandwidth has the meaning given by the Radio Regulations.

Note: The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.

non assigned basis, in relation to an apparatus licence, means where the licence does not specify the frequencies on which a radiocommunications device may be operated.

Note 1: For an apparatus licence issued on a non assigned basis, a licence conditions determination may specify the frequencies on which a radiocommunications device may be operated under the licence, instead of those frequencies being specified in the licence itself.

Note 2: See the definition of assigned basis, above.

open narrowcasting service has the meaning given by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

out-of-band emission has the meaning given by the Radio Regulations.

Note: The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.

outpost assigned station means a station that:

(a) is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that is operated:

(i) under an outpost licence; and

(ii) on frequencies specified in that licence; and

(b) is established for the transmission and reception of messages to and from outpost stations.

Note: An outpost station mentioned in paragraph (b) may be established at a fixed point, or for use while in motion or during halts at unspecified points.

outpost licence means a licence issued for an outpost station.

Note: An outpost licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

outpost non assigned station means a station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that is operated:

(a) under an outpost licence; and

(b) on:

(i) a non assigned basis; or

(ii) frequencies specified for the operation of outpost non assigned stations in a licence conditions determination.

outpost station means a station operating on medium frequencies or high frequencies that is principally established:

(a) to provide radiocommunications in a remote locality at which a connection to a telecommunications network operated by a carrier or carriage service provider is not provided; or

(b) if a connection to a telecommunications network operated by a carrier or carriage service provider is provided at the remote locality where the station is situated – to provide radiocommunications in the locality for the purposes of an emergency that involves:

(i) prejudice to the security or defence of Australia; or

(ii) a serious threat to the environment; or

(iii) risk of injury to, or death of, a person; or

(iv) risk of damage to, or substantial loss of, property.

paging receiver means a radiocommunications receiver that:

(a) is used in a paging system; and

(b) has an integral antenna; and

paging system means a system:

(a) that uses only paging technology; and

(b) comprising one or more paging receivers, and one or more other stations that:

(i) are operated under a land mobile licence or a fixed licence; and

(ii) in an exterior paging application, are

(A) a land station (the first station) established for the purpose of one-way communication to one or more paging receivers; and

(B) one or more land stations that are used solely to improve service reliability within a 40 kilometre radius of the first station; and

(iii) in an interior paging application:

(A) are used for communications with one or more paging receivers; and

(B) if permitted by the licence, may communicate with a mobile station that uses an interior paging talkback channel to acknowledge receipt of a paging transmission; and

(C) are located within premises or an area, the boundary of which substantially contains, or minimises the propagation of, radio emissions.

paging system station means a station that is operated as part of a paging system.

PMTS Class B (short for Public Mobile Telecommunications Service Class B) means a service that consists of one or more land stations that are operated under a PTS licence.

Note: PMTS Class A is no longer used.

PMTS Class C (short for Public Mobile Telecommunications Service Class C) means a service that consists of one or more stations that:

(a) are located on an aircraft; and

(b) are operated under a PTS licence.

Note: PMTS Class A is no longer used.

point to multipoint station means a station, other than:

(a) a sound outside broadcast station; or

(b) a television outside broadcast network station; or

(d) a television outside broadcast system station;

that is operated:

(e) under a fixed licence; and

(f) principally for communication with more than one other fixed station; and

(g) on frequencies specified in the fixed licence.

point to multipoint system means a system that comprises one or more point to multipoint stations, each of which operates:

(a) under a fixed licence; and

(b) on the frequency specified in the fixed licence; and

point to point (5.8 GHz band) station means a point to point station that is operated only within the 5.725 GHz to 5.825 GHz frequency band.

point to point (self-coordinated) station means a self-coordinated point to point station that is operated only within one of the following frequency bands:

(a) 57.2 GHz to 58.2 GHz;

(b) 71 GHz to 76 GHz;

Note: For self-coordination, see Radiocommunications Assignment and Licensing Instruction FX 20, Millimetre wave point-to-point (self-coordinated) stations, which is available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.

point to point station means a station that is operated:

(a) under a fixed licence; and

(b) principally for communication with one other fixed station; and

PTS means a public telecommunications service.

PTS licence means a transmitter licence:

(a) issued for a radiocommunications service that consists of one or more stations that are operated for the provision of a public mobile telecommunications service; or

(b) that authorises the operation of one or more stations (the licensed stations), where:

(i) the licensed stations communicate with mobile stations; and

(ii) the mobile stations are ordinarily used for, or in relation to, the supply of a public mobile telecommunications service, but when used in conjunction with the licensed stations, do not involve the use of the mobile stations for, or in relation to, the supply of a public mobile telecommunications service.

Note 1: A PTS licence is a kind of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

Note 2: Paragraph (b) recognises that some stations may be used to deliver a carriage service to an end-user’s mobile device, but that service will not be a public mobile telecommunications service for the purposes of the Telecommunications Act 1997.

public correspondence means a telecommunication (within the meaning given by the Radio Regulations) that is accepted for transmission:

(a) by a station because the station is available for use by the public; or

(b) by a person or body because the person or body is required, under a licence, to accept the telecommunication from the public for transmission.

Note: The definition of public correspondence is based on Section V, Article 1.116, Chapter 1 of the Radio Regulations. The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.

public mobile telecommunications service means:

(a) a public mobile telecommunications service within the meaning given by the Telecommunications Act 1997; or

(b) a radiocommunications service that:

(i) would be a public mobile telecommunications service, within the meaning given by the Telecommunications Act 1997, except that the service does not comply with paragraph 32(1)(c) of that Act; or

(ii) is an exempt service under subsection 32(4) of that Act.

pX has the meaning given by the Radio Regulations.

Note: The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.

pY has the meaning given by the Radio Regulations.

Note: The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.

pZ has the meaning given by the Radio Regulations.

Note: The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.

radio astronomy means astronomy based on the reception of radio waves of cosmic origin.

radio astronomy service means a radiocommunication service that is used solely for the purposes of radio astronomy.

radiodetermination means:

(a) determination, on the basis of propagation properties of radio waves, of:

(i) the position; or

(ii) the velocity; or

(iii) other characteristics;

of an object; and

(b) the obtaining of information about the characteristics mentioned in paragraph (a).

radiodetermination frequencies means frequencies specified in the spectrum plan that may be used for the purposes of radiodetermination.

radiodetermination licence means a transmitter licence that authorises the operation of a radiocommunications transmitter that is, or is part of, a station that is operated:

(a) to determine:

(i) the position; or

(ii) the velocity; or

(iii) other characteristics;

of an object; or

(b) to obtain information about the characteristics mentioned in paragraph (a);

by means of the propagation properties of radio waves.

Note: A radiodetermination licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

radiodetermination station means a station that is operated under a radiodetermination licence.

radionavigation means the use of radiocommunications (including radiodetermination) for the purpose of navigation or obstruction warning.

Radio Regulations means the document titled ‘Radio Regulations’, published by the International Telecommunication Union.

Note 1: The Radio Regulations are not regulations made by the Governor-General under the Act.

Note 2: The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int.

radio waves means electromagnetic waves of frequencies less than 3000 GHz that are propagated in space without an artificial guide.

Regulations means the Radiocommunications Regulations 2023.

scientific assigned station means a station that is, or includes, a radiocommunications transmitter that is operated:

(a) under a scientific licence; and

(b) on frequencies that are specified in that licence.

scientific licence means a transmitter licence issued for a radiocommunications transmitter, which operates primarily to perform any of the following:

(a) research into radiocommunications;

(b) investigation of radiocommunications;

(d) demonstration of equipment;

(e) testing of equipment;

(f) trials of new radiocommunications technology;

(g) radio propagation path testing.

Note: A scientific licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

scientific non assigned station means a station that is, or includes, a radiocommunications transmitter that is operated:

(a) under a scientific licence; and

(b) on:

(i) a non assigned basis; or

(ii) frequencies specified for the operation of scientific non assigned stations in a licence conditions determination.

scientific station means:

(a) a scientific assigned station; or

(b) a scientific non assigned station.

ship:

(a) includes every kind of vessel or floating craft of any size; but

(b) does not include a vessel or floating craft that is permanently moored.

ship station Class B means a maritime ship station, other than a ship station Class C.

ship station Class B assigned means a ship station Class B that:

(a) is operated under a maritime ship licence; and

(b) may be used for the transmission and reception of public correspondence; and

ship station Class B non assigned means a ship station Class B that:

(a) is operated under a maritime ship licence; and

(b) may be used for the transmission and reception of public correspondence; and

(i) maritime frequencies on a non assigned basis; or

(ii) frequencies specified for the operation of the station in a licence conditions determination.

ship station Class C means a maritime ship station that is equipped in accordance with Marine Orders made under the Navigation Act 2012.

Note: Marine Orders are available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.

ship station Class C assigned means a ship station Class C that:

(a) is operated under a maritime ship licence; and

(b) is operated on maritime frequencies specified in the maritime ship licence.

ship station Class C non assigned means a ship station Class C that:

(a) is operated under a maritime ship licence; and

(b) is operated on:

(i) maritime frequencies on a non assigned basis; or

(ii) frequencies specified for the operation of the station in a licence conditions determination.

single sideband means a radio emission of which the carrier and only one sideband are suppressed.

sound outside broadcast station means a station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that:

(a) is operated under a fixed licence; and

(b) is operated to transmit to a fixed station; and

(c) is used only for the transmission of radio programs, or material associated with radio programs, to provide temporary broadcasting coverage of an event.

space licence means a transmitter licence that authorises the operation of a radiocommunications transmitter that is, or is part of, a space station.

Note 1: A space licence is a type of transmitter licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

Note 2: A space station may include one or more radiocommunications transmitters, one or more radiocommunications receivers, or both one or more radiocommunications transmitters and one or more radiocommunications receivers.

space receive licence means a receiver licence that authorises the operation of a space receive station.

Note: A space receive licence is a type of receiver licence determined under section 98 of the Act.

space receive station means a radiocommunications receiver on a space object.

Note: A space receive station is a kind of radiocommunications receiver determined under paragraph 7(1)(b) of the Act.

space station means a station on an object that is beyond, is intended to go beyond, or has been beyond the major portion of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Specific Licensing Accreditation has the meaning given by:

(a) the Radiocommunications Accreditation (General) Rules 2021; or

(b) if a later instrument replaces those rules and defines the expression – the later instrument.

Note: The Radiocommunications Accreditation (General) Rules 2021 are available, free of charge, from the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.

spurious emission has the meaning given by the Radio Regulations.

Note: The Radio Regulations are available, free of charge, from the website of the International Telecommunication Union at www.itu.int.

SSB means single sideband.

station means an installation or thing that is, or includes, either or both of the following:

(a) one or more radiocommunications transmitters;

(b) one or more radiocommunications receivers;

and includes an installation or thing, whether artificial or naturally occurring, that is intentionally used to reflect or receive radio emissions.

subscription narrowcasting service has the meaning given by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

survival craft station means a mobile station in the maritime mobile service or the aeronautical mobile service that is:

(a) intended only for use for survival purposes; and

(b) located on a lifeboat, life-raft or other survival equipment.

Tables of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences means the tables of equivalent qualifications and licences published on the ACMA’s website.

Note: The Tables of Equivalent Qualifications and Licences are available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.

telecommunications network has the meaning given by the Telecommunications Act 1997.

television outside broadcast network means a network that comprises one or more television outside broadcast stations, each of which:

(a) may be located anywhere in Australia; and

(b) is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that operates on more than one frequency specified in the fixed licence that authorises its operation.

television outside broadcast network station means a station that is part of a television outside broadcast network.

television outside broadcast station means a station that is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that:

(a) is operated under a fixed licence; and

(b) is operated:

(i) on a frequency above 1 GHz; and

(ii) to transmit to a fixed station; and

(c) is used only for the transmission of television programs, or material associated with television programs, to provide temporary broadcasting coverage of an event.

television outside broadcast system means a system that comprises one or more television outside broadcast stations, each of which is, or incorporates, a radiocommunications transmitter that operates:

(a) under a fixed licence; and

(b) on the frequency specified in the fixed licence; and

television outside broadcast system station means a station that is part of a television outside broadcast system.

temporary fixed link station means a station:

(a) that is operated under a fixed licence; and

(b) that is operated anywhere in Australia for a period of not more than 14 days; and

(i) 12.75 GHz to 13.25 GHz;

(ii) 14.5 GHz to 15.35 GHz;

(iii) 21.2 GHz to 23.6 GHz; and

UHF means ultra high frequency.

ultra high frequency means a frequency in the 300 MHz to 3 GHz frequency band.

ultra wideband station means a station with an emission bandwidth (measured at the furthest -10 dB points either side of the peak emission level) at any time that is:

(a) equal to or greater than 500 MHz; or

(b) equal to or greater than 20% of the value of the centre frequency of the bandwidth measurement points.

upper sideband means an SSB radio emission of which the sideband below the carrier is suppressed.

USB means upper sideband.

very high frequency means a frequency in the 30 MHz to 300 MHz frequency band.

VHF means very high frequency.

VHF Data Exchange means radiocommunications using digital modulation in the VHF maritime mobile band.

Note: More information about the VHF Data Exchange is available, free of charge, from the website of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities at www.iala-aism.org.

VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) means a system that integrates the functions of:

(a) Application Specific Messages (ASM); and

(b) an Automatic Identification System (AIS); and

in the VHF maritime mobile band.

Note: More information about the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) is available, free of charge, from the website of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities at www.iala-aism.org.

VHF maritime mobile band means the 156 MHz to 162.05 MHz frequency band, but does not include the segments within this band that are allocated to the land mobile service in accordance with Table 2 of the Radiocommunications Assignment and Licensing Instruction No. MS 42 Frequency Plan for the VHF Bands 70 - 87.5 MHz and 148 - 174 MHz, published by the ACMA.

Note: All Radiocommunications Assignment and Licensing Instructions published by the ACMA are available, free of charge, from the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au.